About this role

Business Unit Overview:

The Global Product Solutions (GPS) team is responsible for product strategy, development, and range management activities for EMEA investment products. Recently formed by combining several businesses, GPS drives the business strategy, innovation, and commercialization of our full investment platform, unlocking new growth opportunities across Active, iShares, and Private Markets. Our team manages BlackRock’s large and diverse range of funds, one of the most dynamic and diverse in the industry, with 1500+ funds domiciled out of 9 countries. The team manages the region’s Product Development Committee and designs bespoke products to help clients optimize existing product offerings.

Job Purpose/Background:

BlackRock’s Global Product Solutions (GPS) business division in EMEA is looking for an individual with experience in active product distribution to lead the cross-organizational efforts to prioritize our active fixed income, equity and multi-asset platforms within the EMEA Wealth client business.

Primary responsibility of the role will be to define and drive the targeted sales and retention goals for active fixed income, equity and multi-asset strategies across the region. The individual will own the product agenda for these asset classes for the EMEA Wealth business, developing a business plan and executing against that plan. There will be a requirement to work in strong partnership with global equity, fixed income, credit, multi--asset teams, iShares investment teams, global marketing and other key stakeholders. From product development and product launch through to product positioning and sales prioritisation, this candidate will serve as the strategic driver and single point of contact within EMEA GPS for active equity, fixed income and multi-asset distribution. Reporting to the Head of EMEA Product Distribution for Active & Alts, the successful candidate will possess a deep knowledge of the EMEA cross border fund marketplace, investment management, capital markets, sustainable investing and active equity, fixed income and multi-asset strategies. The key responsibilities of the role include commercialisation of products, drive the innovation and pricing agenda as well as seek to increase alignment of our iShares/alpha proposition. Additionally, the candidate must have exceptional communication skills and the ability to form trusted relationships and work across the organization to build consensus for tactical and strategic sales initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and execute the product plan for active fixed income, equity and multi-asset in EMEA GPS for distribution within Wealth
• Responsibility for the commercialisation and platform management of BlackRock’s existing products within the Wealth channel whilst also working to innovate and launch new products that are relevant to EMEA Wealth clients
• The successful candidate will need to build strong relationships with key stakeholders in Wealth and partner functions such as portfolio management, product strategy, global product group and marketing
• They will also be required to represent the GPS business in front of the firm’s senior leadership and with clients
• As a Director they will be expected to manage and develop more junior members of the Product Distribution team

Commercialisation

• Define what EMEA Wealth will, and will not, be focussing on for each asset class to optimise sales focus – own communication of focus to key stakeholders including equity, fixed income and multi-asset leadership
• Understand buying behavior across countries and client segments to nuance the product plan by client type
• Partner with counterparts in iShares to ensure that the active product plan is coordinated with index and leverages the full breadth of BlackRock’s range
• Organize “virtual” teams that meet regularly to discus and execute on asset class plans and align key stakeholders behind the plan
• Drive positioning of BlackRock funds by articulating each fund’s distinct investment process and competitive advantages and ensure consistent positioning with sales
• Study and evaluate industry trends, competitive dynamics and highlight sales opportunities using data
• Help define and position BlackRock’s competitive advantage in the investment strategies landscape; understand industry dynamics, drivers of growth and how to effectively position BlackRock’s funds in this context
• Own the product narrative and key messaging in the context of current investment themes and macro conditions. Ensure this remains relevant and compelling. Ensure consistent delivery of collateral, content and training to optimise sales focus
• Regular communication with regional stakeholders, sales heads and sales leadership groups to understand sales and client feedback around the reception of product messages and positioning

Innovation

• Identify areas for potential range enhancement and areas of future client demand to generate new product ideas
• Evaluate other new product concepts developed outside of EMEA and determine relevance for a Wealth client base
• Partner with GPS partners in other regions to bring new products to launch and move to commercialisation post launch
• Investigate platform enhancements in areas such as product wrapper, share classes and pricing

Platform management

• Work with GPS partners regarding fund mergers and closures and evaluation of fund pricing
• Oversee communication of fund changes and portfolio manager changes within EMEA Wealth

Measurement of success:

• Successfully reach goals for calendar year based on gross and net metrics
• Receptivity of product positioning and strategies by sales force and clients
• Ability to grow investor base for new strategies and maintain for more mature range

Experience/Qualifications:

• BA/BS required
• CFA preferred; MBA a plus
• Proven financial services experience, preferably with a focus on mutual fund strategy, sales and fixed income and multi-asset
• Strong understanding of EMEA intermediary-sold mutual funds, industry trends, and different segments (Bank, Insurance, IFA)
• Strong understanding of the asset management industry with a preference for a product specialist background
• Strong capital market knowledge
• Preference for multi-lingual candidate (German, French or Italian as second language)
• Ability to execute across teams and drive projects with input and feedback from key stakeholders
• Working knowledge of investment databases, including Morningstar and Bloomberg, knowledge of Aladdin would also be a plus
• Understanding of performance attribution, market factors and drivers of returns across mutual funds and asset classes
• Solid interpersonal skills and ability to quickly form meaningful working partnerships and demonstrate leadership
• Superior writing and editorial skills
• Strong presentation skills and ability to deliver pertinent facts in a concise fashion

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being. Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.